entertainment

China’s Film Industry Looks to an Unlikely Savior: Harry Potter

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

All eight Harry Potter movies are returning to the big screen in China, but can they lift the curse on the country’s ailing box office?

Dominic  Morgan

In China’s New Stand-up Comedy Shows, Women Have All the Best Lines

Stand-up comedy has returned to China’s TV screens after a yearlong absence, with a new generation of outspoken female performers at the fore.

Li Xin

Lin Liuhan

Ye Performs in China for First Time in 16 Years

The rapper’s appearance has stunned music fans across China — and sparked calls for authorities to clear more gigs by international stars.

Li Miaoran

‘Black Myth’ and the Hunt for China’s Kojima

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Can the wildly popular title win more space for auteurs in China’s gaming industry?

Deng Jian

In Black Myth: Wukong, China Sees a Game That Could Change Everything

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Rooted in the classic novel “Journey to the West,” China’s first big-budget AAA video game has stunned the global gaming industry, drawing a record 2.2 million concurrent players on Steam at launch.

Fan Yiying

Li  Yanshu

China’s Movie of the Summer Is a Dark Satire on Tiger Parents

Comedy ‘Successor’ has touched a nerve in China with its tale of ambitious, controlling parents that turn their son’s life into a version of ‘The Truman Show.’

He Qitong

Bilibili Bets Big on Booming Ultrashort Drama Market

The Chinese streaming platform has announced plans to release 20 “premium” ultrashort dramas this year, as the genre continues to move into the mainstream.

Ye Zhanhang

For 2024 Film Festival, Shanghai Puts the Spotlight on Itself

This year’s edition of the Shanghai International Film Festival is being billed as a celebration of the city’s own culture and revolutionary history.

Ding Rui

Why China’s Hottest New Drama Is Dividing Female Viewers

Many in China are hailing “The Tale of Rose” as a step forward for female representation on screen. Others are dismissing it as out of touch.

China’s TV Hit of the Year Is a Drama About Kazakh Nomads

Set in China’s remote northwest, the mini-series “To the Wonder” is a smash hit with domestic viewers — and a rare example of a Chinese drama winning international recognition.

The New Talent Show Striking Fear Into China’s Biggest Pop Stars

“Singer 2024” promises to shine a harsh spotlight on China’s stars by forcing them to perform live without autotune. During the first episode, the tension was palpable.

Art of Adaptation: How Yue Opera Is Winning Over Young Chinese

Traditionally favored by older generations, Yue opera has seen a resurgence among young Chinese after the viral success of one theater’s adaptation of a classic ’90s action movie. Efforts are now underway to ensure its popularity is more than a passing trend.

Chu Jing Her

Is There a Right Way to Stage a Classic Play?

Chinese stagings of classic plays tend to be overly faithful to the source material or commercialized cash grabs.

Kong Degang

China Introduces Sweeping New Controls Targeting ‘Ultrashort Dramas’

Cheesy soap operas divided into tiny, bitesize episodes have exploded in popularity in China in recent years. Now, authorities are moving to tighten supervision over the industry.

Huang Yang

Flash Fiction TV: Why China Is Betting Big on Ultrashort Dramas

With domestic markets nearing saturation and facing stricter regulations, China’s billion-dollar ultrashort drama industry is looking to expand abroad. Amid this shift, studios are rushing to capitalize on the global demand for mobile-optimized, short-form content.

Shanghai on Screen: A Hit TV Show Helps a City Find Its Voice

Amid a national push to standardize Mandarin, experts say TV dramas in local dialects are not just a form of entertainment but also a valuable means of cultural preservation.

Love Bytes: How a New Runaway Hit Game Is Wooing Single Chinese Men

Blending interactive simulation and TV romance dramas, “Love Is All Around” is designed specifically for men, and gameplay revolves around pursuing relationships with multiple women. Despite its chart-topping success, the game has also been criticized for its stereotypical portrayal of women.

In China’s Latest Hit Film, Family Downfall Meets Bloody Revenge 

Adapted from a 2015 novel, “Across the Furious Sea” joins a wave of successful suspense and crime films in China this year.

China's 'Cameo' Industry in Spotlight After Celebrities' Videos for Crime Family Go Viral

China’s celebrity personalized video industry includes Olympic athletes, CCTV hosts, and more than a few Hong Kong actors. Some have found themselves in hot water recently after netizens unearthed videos of their birthday messages for the son of a notorious crime lord in Myanmar.

Chujiu: A Master of Disguise

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

The makeup artist, who has found fame with her magical transformations, explains the motivation behind the hit “100 Villains” series and the hours of work needed to create just one short video.